CVE-2024-27240 in Workplace Desktop App
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2024
Improper input validation in the installer for some Zoom Apps for Windows may allow an authenticated user to conduct a privilege escalation via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27240 represents a critical security flaw within the Windows installer component of certain Zoom Apps that enables authenticated users to escalate their privileges through local system access. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms during the installation process, creating a pathway for malicious actors with legitimate user credentials to potentially gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the installer functionality of Zoom Apps running on Windows operating systems, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Zoom's collaboration platforms across enterprise environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of user inputs during the installation procedure, which allows an authenticated user to manipulate the installation process and potentially execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than initially granted. This flaw operates under the weakness category of improper input validation, which aligns with CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation, and represents a common attack vector that has been documented across numerous software platforms. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue because it permits a user with standard authentication credentials to elevate their access level to that of a system administrator or service account, depending on the specific installation context and system configuration.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations that rely on Zoom Apps for their collaborative infrastructure, particularly in environments where local access is not strictly controlled or where users may have varying levels of system access. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it could potentially enable attackers to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data that would otherwise be restricted to authorized personnel only. The local access requirement means that the vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely, but it does represent a serious concern for insider threats or compromised user accounts that could be leveraged to gain elevated privileges within the system. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments, particularly when evaluating the security posture of systems that utilize Zoom Apps.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27240 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Zoom Apps installations to address the input validation flaws in the installer component. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitor for any unauthorized local access attempts, as the vulnerability requires local system access to be exploited. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure software development practices, particularly in installer components where input validation and privilege management are critical security controls. Security teams should consider implementing additional monitoring for installation activities and user account behavior that might indicate attempted privilege escalation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of installer components as a means to gain elevated system access, making it a significant concern for organizations following the MITRE ATT&CK methodology for threat analysis and defense planning.